Welcome to Mrs. Willits' Class at Hamilton High School! I am excited for this upcoming school year and all that we will be learning. The syllabus will be passed out to students the first week of school and will be made available on our online website. Parents, I encourage you to go over the syllabus before signing it. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact me via e-mail or set up a conference by calling the school.

My Education and Professional Background

I graduated from the University of New Mexico in December 2011 with a Bachelors Degree in Arts and Sciences (major in History), and then again in 2011 with a Masters in Secondary Education with emphasis in Social Studies. I have 10 years experience in teaching, but this is my 1st year at Hamilton High School.

My Educational Philosophy

When asked his opinion on the state of education, Colin Powell said, "Children need to get a high-quality education, avoid violence and the criminal-justice system, and gain jobs. But they deserve more. We want them to learn not only reading and math but fairness, caring, self-respect, family commitment, and civic duty." I believe that a sound social studies background is essential to promote excellence in citizenship, and more importantly, in humanity. Not only is the role of social studies education in school crucial, but the method in which it is taught is important as well. I believe that a social studies teacher, in order to have optimal success in the classroom, must display the following attributes: a balanced approach in regards to control of the classroom, a knowledge of which instructional methods best fit his or her teaching style, as well as a knowledge of what methods and strategies are detrimental to learning.